The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1887-03-30
"A NIGHT In THE ALPS.
An Harmonious Combination of
Natures Beauty and Utility.
A Search After the Mysteries OF "Schab-
ziger Decentralization and the
"Brown Switzers."-The Secret
Found In the Native Glover.

Found In the Native Glover.
Twas an officer of our Government
in Switzerland for many years, and an
inclination for snow-fields and mount
ain-heights led me to spend my vaca-
tons in the higher Alps. l was, be-
sides, member of the Swiss Alpine
Club, and this in itself led to many
mountain excursions, in company with
half dozen members of the club,
rugged out with heavy shoes, knee
breeches, a knapsack and canteen. not
forgetting the never-to- be-neglected
Alpine-stick. With what joyous
spirits we left the crowded city, and
climbed up into the beautiful mount
aims! What songs we sang, what tales
we told, and what ruddy cheeks and
stout lungs we carried home with
the wreaths of Alpine roses about our
hats!
Our Government sometimes requires
queer work of its consuls abroad. The
duty becomes the more interesting
when the circumstances also are novel
or unusual. / was once directed to
learn, if possible, how "Schabziger
cheese" was made. Some dairyman,
probably, wishing the information, had
requested the Department of State at
Washington to write me on the sub
ject. Now. the proper making of this
very peculiar and little known cheese
is secret of a few peasants in the
high Swiss Alps.
This was an interesting comm and
for me, who liked nothing better than
a climb above the clouds.
On an August afternoon / set out
from Zurich, and crossing the lake,
took mountain railway train for one
of the green valleys Of the Glarus
Alps.
The little mountain village where
the train stopped is two thousand feet
above sea level, but before me was a
climb of four thousand feet up the
sides of mountain I had never seen.
1t was still early, and the sun was re-
fected from snow-covered peaks in the
neighborhood, that were ten to twelve
thousand feet in height. The weather
was perfect, and it would not be dark
before eight or nine o'clock.
After considerable searching about
the village, whose log houses were the
color of well-smoked hams, found the
home of mountain guide. A good
guide would be necessity.
How very unfortunate, / thought, on
hearing from the woman that opened
the door for me that her husband was
not at home. What was I to do? II
would be dangerous to attempt the
climb alone.
"Why, mamma, I'll 60 with the gen
Tenant heard pleasant voice say.
"Pye been up there hundred times,
you know" and just then pretty,
roguish, coquettish-looking girl, with
coal-black eyes and a sweet laugh,
came to the door.
"But can you?" l said.
"Why, certainly, Why not? I'm a
better climber than the gentleman is, "
replied the bright-faced girl, who must
have been sixteen, spite of her diminu-
tive size.
"Good!' said. every well; and the
five-franc fee shall be yours.
Gretchen was, in fact, as good a
mountain-climber as I, and l had
prided myself on being not unworthy
member Of the Alpine Club. For the
first half-hour we trudged gaily along
up smooth, steep slopes, covered with
the greenest grass, and where herded
hundreds of cattle known as the
Brown Switzer" Beautiful cattle
they were, too, with their mouse-color.
ed skins, their soft hair, and theil
great eyes! They are as good-natured
as kittens, and are usually fat. 1t wa:
an Arcadian scene to see Gretchen, a;
we passed up path on the green hill
side, call to half-a-dozen mouse coloreC
heifers that were grazing near us.
Come. REM! Come, Cherry, Vetti
Don't you know me?" spoke Gretchen
kindly; and the household pets sprans
over little brook, and came to hel
little flock of doves.
The steep ascent began, and became
sleeper and sleeper. Soon the ittl'
brown village seemed far below us, ant
the green pastures and Gretchen's pc
heifers, being nearer the foot of tn
forest-covered mountain, were now on
of sight. Once we stopped to rest, ant
walked out on ledge of rock tina
overhung precipice two thousand fee
in height.
We could look over the little brown
villages for forty miles up and dowr
the valley, and could trace the white
roads, that looked almost like chalk
lines, stretching now on one side the
rapid river, and now on the other. Qul